A suburbanista's journey to transform a mid-century ranch into her perfect "country-cottage" dream home

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I'll meet you at Rainbow Bridge....

Saying Good-Bye...

It doesn't seem that long ago that we were introduced and needless to say we were all immediately smitten with you. Your sweet & gentle disposition and furry softness were too much to resist. We "fought" over what your name would be and eventually I won out... The color of your fur reminded me of "Bailey's Irish Cream". She will be called Bailey! Papa snagged your middle name....Tinkerbell..and so it was, you were namedBailey Tinkerbell Dawg.

You were friend, companion, protector of all, and an important part of our family. Nobody knew how to "give paw" like you, "speak" as loudly as you did, or "lay down" with such a graceful flop. At mealtime there was no dog louder "demanding" her boy to "feed me! feed me!". And whether it was a doorbell, stranger at the door or a flying bug, you were there to protect & conquer. No fly, bee, or cricket stood a chance against your fluff and jaws of speed.

Whether you were playing hide n' seek...Working the runway...(err, patio)Snagging cigar butts...Loving your boyor Celebrating your birthday, you did it with happiness .And although you were an "old lady" you were still there with us, rooting for our team...We loved you more and more each day and yet the inevitable happened...You continued to grow older...you slowed down...and you slept most of the time. Then I saw it happening...your little light didn't shine as bright and began to fade til it was no more then a flicker. I kept you home with us as long as I could so you'd have your family around you when it was your time to go, but close to the end it was apparent it wasn't going to be easy. Your body was dying and things were happening that would humiliate you, and I knew that if there was anything else I could give you in this life, besides my love, it was your dignity. So in the end, although you were in a doctor's office, it was mine and papa's face you saw at the end. With all the love my heart could hold, and with tears in my eyes, I stroked your head and told you it was okay to go now.

Sleep well Bailey Fa-Failey...we'll see you again at Rainbow Bridge. Wait for us.

Bailey TinkerbellNovember 22, 1997-December 14, 2008

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Rechelle:I am so sorry about Bailey and at the same time I am so touched by the love you shared with him. My dog that has gone over the Rainbow bridge is Cocoa and I know that Bailey and Cocoa and all the other loved dogs are all playing together and just waiting for us.Roberta Anne

That is a beautiful post. It made me cry. So hard to lose a special pet. It was hard when we had to put ours down in 2002. We had a shelti and his name was Shanti. We got 13 years with him. Lots of good memories. I know you will treasure yours.

Hi Rechelle!Thanks for your sweet comments on my decor...your home is lovely!

LOVE the song *Happy Birthday JESUS* that was playing when I checking in here...a wonderful local Church does a huge production and this is one of the songs they have a 4-5 yr old sing...its just precious!

Rechelle, I am also so very sorry to hear about Baily. We do have such a sad experience to share. Taking care of her was so much a part of our life. It is so hard to realize that she is no longer with us. Your post about Baily is a wonderful tribute to your sweet dog.

Bailey was so loved..that is very obvious...I hope that she will meet my Cooper at Rainbow Bridge and they can play....that darn cat always thought he was a dog! Your tribute to her was just beautiful...so glad I keep tissues at my desk..

Rachelle, my heart hurts for you...I'm so sorry for your loss of Bailey. I can see she was a sweet girl and a wonderful companion...take comfort in knowing she had a loving home and she will forever be in your heart...warm hugs, Linda

Oh Rechelle, I am so so sorry sweetie...I know that you and your family will miss your sweet Baily...I know your heart hurts... My heart goes out to you and your family. That poem sure is beautiful. xoxo,Queenie

Rechelle,Sorry to hear this sad news, but be comforted in the knowledge that when Bailey made it to heaven, God was there to pat her head and say, "Good Girl, you did what you were sent to do and loved your family well." My heart goes out to you and your family. I believe you will see her again someday too. xxoo

Oh Rechelle, I have tears in my eyes right now. My heart is breaking for you because I know what its like to lose your little friend, a member of your family. I lost my Sammie Dog 6 years ago and someone had given me that story about the Rainbow Bridge. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I read it because I know he will be waiting for me one day at the Rainbow Bridge.Hugs to you.....Love, Ann

Rechelle, I came over to thank you for your comment on our cookie day. I had a good cry when I read your Baily post again. We are still grieving for our Babette but we did the right thing I am sure. To ease our sad hearts I am posting a tribute to Babs on Monday. My dh is so wanting me to honor our sweet pet. Your post about Baily is beautiful.

Well I am enjoying your great music so much I hate to leave but I must go.

This is my first visit and i am so sad about Baily but to read also your wonderful memories of Baily is good. Everybody who loves animals know how hard it is to let them go when the time is there !You're in my thoughts,Janneke.

*tight hugs*....What a beautiful memorial of pictures and times you have shared with us. I'm sorry for your loss...I know how you feel I have had the same experience...remember all the lovely memories..all good thoughts...Judi

Oh my gosh, Rechelle.. I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face right now. Bailey was the most beautiful doggums ever, and you just wrote the absolute most beautiful tribute I've ever read. I connected with every word you wrote and I am feeling your pain. What a luck dog Bailey was to have you - and what a lucky family you were to have Bailey. I do believe with all my heart and soul that they will be there waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Big hugs to you, Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

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About Me

Hi! I'm Rechelle. Mommy and Stepmom to my blended brood. As you can imagine there is never a dull or quiet moment in our home. And it's a rather "cozy" home at that, one that seems even "cozier" when we're all together at the same time! I love anything with a history. My home is filled with treasures that have been handed down through generations, or that I've found in thrift stores & antique malls. I love all kinds of music, classic movies & Gene Kelly. Some of my favorite things are vintage tablecloths, lace, beadboard, toile, fine china, tea sets, old homes- be they craftsman, victorian or farmhouses-, decorating & antiques. Living in a cookie cutter house has had it's decorating challenges but my husband and I have loved adding character and making it a "home". We've still many projects to embark upon, but one day... Welcome to my blog, happy reading and please comment! I'd love to get to know you better and may we become fast friends. Enjoy your day and may it be great!